Resolution: Beach Closures and Associated Water Quality Concerns
Adopted on October 15, 2002

Whereas, beach closures due to bacteria outbreaks and toxic contamination are among the most prevalent human health concerns currently facing the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, water quality advisories that cause beach closures often follow storm events when bacteria-rich surface water runoff is flushed into nearshore areas via streams, rivers and combined sewer overflows; and

Whereas, a U.S. EPA survey in 2000 showed that, of 329 Great Lakes beaches reporting, 48 percent were affected by at least one advisory or closing; and

Whereas, beach closings resulting from high pathogen loads have a tremendous negative effect on the region's tourism industry; and

Whereas, the discharge of sewage from water treatment facilities from shoreline communities should be better regulated in order to prevent or minimize the outflow of organic material and microorganisms into our water; and

Whereas, current beach closure reporting is inconsistent among jurisdictions on the Great Lakes, often delayed because of poor water sampling techniques, and not well publicized especially to underserved communities.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission recognizes beach closings and sewage overflows as serious issues that warrant prompt and concerted attention; and

Be it further resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will enhance its ongoing efforts to coordinate data and facilitate public education in this area through projects such as BeachCast, a centralized data repository of recreational water quality data available via the Internet; and

Be it further resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission calls on federal, state and provincial governments -- in collaboration with local/municipal agencies -- to recognize beach health as a matter of high priority in their jurisdictions, and take the steps necessary to reduce/eliminate contaminant inputs, improve monitoring, and better serve the public through enhanced closure advisory services; and

Be it finally resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges the U.S. and Canadian federal governments to consider, under the terms of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, an International Joint Commission reference to document the extent of the problem in the binational Great Lakes system; better understand causes; identify actions to improve water quality; and strengthen monitoring, reporting and public notification processes.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Annual Meeting, October 15, 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio.